Tooth Decay in Seniors

We of Alta Loma Dental Care want patients of all ages to be able to enjoy healthy, comfortable teeth. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control found that the rate of untreated tooth decay in adults is surprisingly high and that as many as one in five seniors have untreated caries.  We don’t want our patients to ever resign themselves to bad oral health, so we need to examine why caries in seniors are common.

The survey indicated that there’s a lot of tooth decay in general, but seniors face some particular challenges. Some of them change their diets to include food that is softer, but higher in sugar. Forgetfulness is a problem with oral hygiene, but so is limited dexterity.  Dry mouth, which is a common medication side effect, damages the body’s ability to fight off oral infections, allowing decay-causing bacteria to flourish. Compounding all of this is the fact that seniors often did not benefit from water fluoridation when their teeth were forming, which leaves them more vulnerable to decay.

Regular dental hygiene appointments are crucial opportunities to spot and treat decay in seniors. They’re also opportunities to identify problems and recommend products which can provide solutions. Some toothbrushes come with specialized grips that are easier for people with manual problems to use. There are also products which make flossing easier and moisturizers to combat dry mouth.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.